ARTistic Pursuits, High School Book Two: Color and Composition, 3rd edition

This book
provides engaging instruction for the high school student who wants
to paint and be creative along the way. The organized content and
conversational tone is equally engaging for both the novice and the
more experienced art student. Students find to their delight that
they are asked to select their own subjects to paint as they study
topics such as tinting hues, color intensity, complementary hues,
balance, rhythm and more. Each unit is crafted for focus on one
color theory principle at a time while exploring the topic in four
unique ways.

Students explore their world in engaging lessons designed to
strengthen observation skills as they learn about the creative
process in the first lesson of each unit. Art appreciation lessons
show how color is used through the study of modern European masters
like Van Gogh, Marc, Picasso, and more. Students gain insight about
artists and modern movements in Western art. Technique and
application lessons allow skills to develop naturally as students
work independently without the need for parental instruction. Four
special assignments show how artists combine elements of art and
broaden the student’s experiences with art materials.

The unique feature of the book is the way students learn from its
pages, then choose a subject from their own environment, and apply
the new information to their own art. The book provides a full
credit for the completion of sixty-eight finished paintings in
watercolor that are both original and entirely the student’s own.
Upon finishing the course, students will be prepared for college
art-related course with a thorough knowledge of the foundational
principles of color in art.

Medium Introduced- watercolor with various
techniques using masking fluid

Course Credits-
Visual Arts Courses- Each book (ARTistic
Pursuits, Senior High Book One, The Elements of Art and
Composition, 3rd edition and the featured title on this page)
is designed for 1 credit (one year) however, if a student desires
to take only one year of art, the courses can be modified and the
two books can be combined. To do this, complete the art assignments
on the first and fourth pages of each unit, while only reading
through the second and third pages of each unit. Award ½ per book
(one semester). A credit depends on the amount of time spent on the
course.

Course Name- Painting / 1 Credit

Course Text- Artistic Pursuits High School Book Two, Color and
Composition.

Course Description- The fundamentals of color theory are
explored along with a thorough study of watercolor techniques.
Composition is emphasized in abstract and realistic works using
landscape, still life, and portraits. Critical analysis of artwork
is stressed in the application of the creative process. Art
appreciation and art history are included as students evaluate
works of European masters and apply techniques.

Information on Building a Portfolio-
A portfolio is a collection of art works that you will show to a
college for entrance to their program. It is also the name of the
folder you put the work into. Please note that each college will
have its own set of requirements and you should look into those
before sending your portfolio to them. The guidelines below will be
valuable if you keep them in mind as you go through our
courses.

Include two or more pieces from each course taken. (this
includes other courses you have taken, if any), including
photography, pottery, oil painting, etc.

Show a variety of media, technique, size and subject matter.
For example, sending in 15 seascapes all done in acrylic will not
make a good impression.

Present the portfolio in a professional manner: neat and
organized. Each college will have their own preference, so be
certain to ask them. Any type of folder will work but it should be
tidy if handmade. I suggest something like the Cachet Studio
Portfolio at the Dick Blick Art Supply website.